As the state's only advocate working solely for the interests of community banks and their customers, Community Bankers of Washington (CBW) is a member-driven organization, governed by a Board of Directors comprised solely of independent community bankers.

The Association was created in 1989 as the Washington Independent Community Bankers Association (WICBA) by a group of community bankers that felt their current banking association was not supporting them on banking issues affecting their community banking franchise. The small group of bankers pooled their resources and influence to successfully manage change in the industry, grow their banks, and maintain their independence.

In 2007 the Association changed its name to the Community Bankers of Washington and has steadily grown and continues the mission of those bankers who started the Association years ago. Today, CBW member banks employ over 11,000 people and represent over $53 billion in assets. Our passion is to collectively create value for Washington's community banks through lobbying efforts, professional development, profit enhancement, expense savings, network opportunities, industry updates, and a full range of free member benefits.